GaitherSamuelRoweJr.

NEWPORT NEWS - Another of our greater generation passed away on January 27, 2014 when Gaither Samuel Rowe, Jr. went to his Heavenly Father. Gaither was born December 20, 1919 to the late Gaither S. and Aurelia B. Rowe, Sr. Gaither was always proud to say he was born and raised in Newport News. Gaither had a very warm and friendly manner and was loved by all who knew him. He attended Stonewall Jackson School and later Morrison High School. Gaither proudly served our county in the U.S. Navy in WWII in both Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. He was a charter member of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. He was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and retired in 1984 after 39 years. Being a long time member of Temple Baptist Church where he served as deacon, he was also a member of the Pickett Sunday School Class, and volunteered with the Jail Ministry for many years with his church. He was a 32nd degree Mason, 60 year member of Warwick Lodge #336, Newport News, 50 year Scottish Rite, Khedive Temple, Royal Arch, and Peninsula Shrine Club. Gaither is predeceased by five siblings and is survived by his wife of 72 years, Edna; a son, Gaither S. Rowe, III (Carolyn) of Jackson, Miss.; a daughter, Dolores "Dee" Lee (David) of Newport News; he was Papaw to three granddaughters, Wendi Straub of Chesterfield, Dr. Robin Christian (Scottie) of Natchez, Miss., and Renee McCormack (Jody) of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; and eight great-grandchildren, Hazel Rae and Betty Olive McCormack, Will and Madeleine Christian, Addison Touchett, Hunter Berrey, and Bryson and Gavin Straub. He leaves his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rowe of Harcum, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family will receive visitors at Peninsula Funeral Home on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Temple Baptist Church on Monday at 11 a.m. by Rev. Wes Taylor. Interment to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Benevolence Fund at Temple Baptist Church. The Rowe family wishes to express their gratitude to Heartland Hospice and Family Centered Resources, Inc.

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